Questions regarding RN Residency

I graduated RN last 2009, but was just recently licensed this 2011. I don't really have experience, except for a 3 month training in hemodialysis, and of course the clinicals when I was a student nurse.

I am here in South California. I have been applying for a lot of jobs! Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, but no luck so far. I have applied just recently to an RN residency program here in Lakewood near Long Beach. I was just wondering what are the chances that I could possibly get in? Do you guys think that I would need to know someone to refer me? I'm not being picky, but this is a really great opportunity near home, and I would really love to have it. They say that the residency will start this coming March/April. Guys, please give your input.. I have a lot of hopes and dreams and I can't wait to get started on it.

Hi Jenmesh,
All residency programs in all areas of the country vary their acceptance rates and difficulty to get into. However, I would look into finding information through allnurses for previous Residency programs and their rates of acceptance. If there is a nurse recruiter, you can actually ask them this information. "What are my chances? How many have applied so far? Is there anything I can do to make myself a better candidate?" If you are fortunate enough to get an interview - SELL YOURSELF and always FOLLOW UP. "The squeeky wheel gets the oil." I was lucky enough to remain persistant and I got a residency position and eventually my dream job. Best of luck to you!

I will follow-up this Monday and do all that you suggested. I always had a problem with trying to follow-up but not sound too aggressive. Sometimes, I have trouble wording my thoughts. But, your questions sound really nice and I never thought of it! Thank you!

I graduated RN last 2009, but was just recently licensed this 2011. I don't really have experience, except for a 3 month training in hemodialysis, and of course the clinicals when I was a student nurse.

I am here in South California. I have been applying for a lot of jobs! Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, but no luck so far. I have applied just recently to an RN residency program here in Lakewood near Long Beach. I was just wondering what are the chances that I could possibly get in? Do you guys think that I would need to know someone to refer me? I'm not being picky, but this is a really great opportunity near home, and I would really love to have it. They say that the residency will start this coming March/April. Guys, please give your input.. I have a lot of hopes and dreams and I can't wait to get started on it.

Would you mind mentioning the name of the Hospital that youv'e applied to.. im looking for RN residency programs.. thanks

keep an eye out for what the hospital's criteria is qualifying you as a "new grad". some say it has to be less than 6 months from your graduation date. some say you have to have less than 12 months of work experience as an RN. it varies.

i recently got declined of a residency. they were looking for december2011 graduates only and i graduated august 2011....
i asked them if there was any way they could make an exception. didnt work out...

Would you mind mentioning the name of the Hospital that youv'e applied to.. im looking for RN residency programs.. thanks

There are a lot of residencies available here in SoCal. Just google "RN Residencies in South California" or "Versant RN program", and something should come out. There will be a lot of residencies this coming summer, and applications should be accepted around March-April. Check websites of UCLA, Children's Hospital La and OC, and others more. Google it, I'm sure you'll see it.

keep an eye out for what the hospital's criteria is qualifying you as a "new grad". some say it has to be less than 6 months from your graduation date. some say you have to have less than 12 months of work experience as an RN. it varies.

i recently got declined of a residency. they were looking for december2011 graduates only and i graduated august 2011....
i asked them if there was any way they could make an exception. didnt work out...

Now that I think about it, I doubt I'll get in. I've been a grad since 09, but no paid RN job as of yet. However, I've been offered already a full time job, so if I take that, then I won't be able to take the residency programs. It would've been good to jumpstart my career though, but any paying job I'll take right now. Anyway, I called the hospital with the residency... They said they received 400+ applications but will only be accepting 10. I'm like, "OMG." Lol